Bearing capacity calculation of a two-layer soil base for gravity-type quay wall with stone bedding

Abstract

The paper presents a method for calculating the bearing capacity of a two-layer soil base of gravity-type quay walls constructed on a stone bedding. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to improve the accuracy of evaluating the bearing capacity of soil bases for assessing the actual technical condition of the mentioned structures. The proposed method is based on the principles of limit stress state theory and takes into account the interaction between the structure and a two-layer soil base. In contrast to existing approaches, the computational scheme considers the formation of two stress-state zones in the soil base − limit and sublimit zones, which allows for a more adequate representation of the actual working conditions of the soil base under loading. At present, convenient practical methods for calculating the bearing capacity of bases in layered soils with different physical and mechanical properties within limit and sublimit stress-state zones have not yet been developed, which necessitates the development of new approaches and methods. Particular attention is given to the consideration of friction at the interface between the stone bedding and the soil base, which significantly affects the bearing capacity and the transformation of limit and sublimit stress-state zones. The obtained results can be used in the design, reconstruction, and operation of gravity-type quay walls, particularly for determining allowable operational loads and assessing their bearing capacity reserves.